Flexible structures for use with dock seals and shelters

ABSTRACT

Flexible structures for use with dock seals and shelters are disclosed. An example flexible structure includes an elongate flexible panel assembly having first and second longitudinal edges and at least one flexible thin-walled member having a length along a longitudinal axis of the elongate flexible panel assembly. The at least one flexible thin-walled member is configured to have a cross-sectional geometry that provides sufficient rigidity to enable the elongate flexible panel assembly to be cantilevered from a surface via the first longitudinal edge without substantial deformation of the cross-sectional geometry of the at least one flexible thin-walled member along the length of the at least one flexible thin-walled member.

CROSS-SECTION OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent arises from a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/982,618, filed on Nov. 4, 2004, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to flexible structures and,more specifically, to flexible structures that may be used with dockseals and/or shelters.

BACKGROUND

In general, dock seals and shelters address the need to prevent theingress of outdoor environmental conditions or contaminants (e.g., rain,snow, wind, hot/cold temperatures, insects, animals, etc.) into theinterior of a building (e.g., the dock area) and cargo area of a vehicleduring the loading or unloading of the vehicle. Dock shelters and sealsalso address the need to prevent the egress of conditioned air fromwithin a building and/or a vehicle cargo area to the outdoorenvironment. The design of dock seals and shelters that effectivelyisolate the interior space of a building and adjacent vehicle cargo areafrom the outdoor environment is complicated by the fact that vehicles(e.g., the trailer or rear portion of a truck) may not be centeredrelative to the seal or shelter when backed into the seal or shelter. Asa result, dock seals and shelters are typically designed to compensatefor some range of off-center vehicle positions within which thefunctionality of the seal or shelter is not compromised. Further, thestructures of a seal or shelter, particularly side members, aredesirably capable of recovering from repeated impacts from the rearportions of off-center vehicles without sustaining substantial permanentdeformation.

Some known dock seals use side members having a compressible foam coreor body surrounded by a coated fabric or vinyl outer layer. The foamcore provides sufficient structural rigidity to enable the side membersto be extended a short distance from the building wall surrounding theloading dock. The coated fabric outer layer protects the foam core fromoutdoor environmental conditions (e.g., moisture), provides wearresistance to repeated impacts from the rear portions of vehicles, andmay provide desirable aesthetic qualities. Additionally, a headerstructure may span between the side members along a top portion of theloading dock opening. The header structure may be another compressiblemember similar in construction to the side members and, in some cases,may include a weighted fabric curtain that hangs downwardly to contactthe top of a truck trailer to form an environmental barrier along thetop of the trailer.

Another type of dock seal uses inflatable side members and a headerstructure having internal compressible resilient pads, which providesome degree of side member compressibility when the side members are ina deflated condition. In either case, when the rear portion of a vehicle(e.g., a truck trailer) is backed into either foam or inflatable dockseal side and header members, the side and header members are compressedtoward the building wall to form a seal along the lateral and top backedges of the vehicle. If present, the head curtain sweeps along the topof the trailer to form a seal at the top of the trailer between the sidemembers. Dock seals typically consume a relatively small amount of wallspace and can provide a relatively high quality seal between the rearedges of a vehicle and the outside building wall surrounding the dock.However, when the dock seal side members are compressed, they may bedisplaced into or otherwise encroach on the opening to the rear of thedocked vehicle. As a result, the compressed side member may interferewith operation of a fork lift and/or an operator during loading andunloading activities. In addition, inflatable dock seals are susceptibleto power losses and tears that compromise the ability of the sidemembers to inflate to provide an acceptable seal.

In contrast to dock seals, some known dock shelters use side membersthat are mounted to the outside building wall surrounding the loadingdock. The side members are spaced well to the outside of the sides of adocked vehicle. The side members are configured to extend (i.e., to becantilevered) an appreciable distance from the outside building wall,particularly in cases where a dock leveler protrudes from the dockopening. The side members may also support flexible seal members, whichare often referred to as side curtains, extending inwardly from the sidemembers across at least a portion of the opening defined by the sidemembers. When a vehicle such as, for example, a truck trailer, is backedinto the opening of the dock shelter, the inwardly facing edges of theseal members or side curtains resiliently deflect and sweep against thelateral sides of the trailer to form an environmental barriertherebetween. As with dock seals, dock shelters also typically include aheader structure, which may include a head curtain, to form anenvironmental barrier along the top edge of the rear of the vehicle.

In contrast to dock seals, dock shelters typically provide unobstructedaccess to a vehicle cargo area opening (i.e., there are no foam pads orthe like to be compressed and displaced into the opening). However, mostknown dock shelter side members are constructed using rigid wood,fiberglass or metal frames capable of supporting the significant weightof the seal members or side curtains, which are usually held at anappreciable distance (e.g., several feet) from the building wall. Suchside members may be permanently deformed if they are impacted by avehicle. Accordingly, bumpers or stops may be mounted to the lower edgeof the dock shelter to prevent a vehicle (e.g., a truck trailer) fromimpacting and damaging the rigid shelter.

The rigid side members used to implement these known dock shelters arealso typically mechanically coupled via the header and/or another rigidmember to provide increased lateral rigidity to the dock shelter tominimize the ability of the side members to move from side-to-side.Because of this, the side members typically have to be mountedrelatively far apart to accommodate a wide range of possible off-centervehicle positions. This relatively large distance between the rigid sidemembers consumes a significant and, thus, expensive amount of buildingwall space for each loading dock opening.

More recently, dock shelters having impactable side members have beendeveloped. The impactable side members are similar to those used withdock seals and typically use a foam core or body surrounded by a coatedfabric outer layer. Seal members or side curtains, which may beconstructed using a fabric and flexible fiberglass stays combination ora foam core and fabric combination, are typically mounted to the sidemembers to extend at least partially across the shelter opening. When avehicle is backed into the shelter, the inwardly facing edges of theseal members or side curtains deflect and sweep against the sides of thevehicle to form an environmental barrier or seal against the sides ofthe vehicle. In the event the off-center position of a vehicle resultsin the rear of the vehicle impacting a side member, the foam core orbody of the side member is resiliently compressed. When the vehicle ispulled away from an impacted side member, the foam core of the sidemember causes the side member to substantially recover to its originalcondition or shape.

While dock shelters having compressible foam side members provide theadvantages of unobstructed access to a truck trailer opening (at leastwhen the side members are not impacted) and the ability to withstandrepeated impacts from off-center vehicles, these more recent dockshelter designs still have some drawbacks. For example, the foam coresof the side members must be made relatively wide and bulky to supporttheir own weight and the weight of the side seals or curtains. Also, therelatively bulky foam cores needed are expensive, difficult to mount tothe wall surface and consume a significant amount of building wallspace. In addition, the inherent structural characteristics of the foamcore and fabric combination significantly limit the permissible weightof the side curtains and/or the distance at which the side curtains canbe mounted from the wall without causing the side members to sag anunacceptable and perceptible amount.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an example dock shelter that may be implemented using theflexible structures disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 depicts a vehicle engaging the example dock shelter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts an example flexible structure that may be used toimplement the side members of the example dock shelter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 depicts another example flexible structure being employed as aseal member or side curtain with the example flexible structure of FIG.3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the example flexible structures ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the example flexible structures ofFIG. 4 depicted in relation to a properly docked vehicle.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate one manner in which the substantiallateral flexibility of the example flexible structures of FIG. 4 may beused to accommodate a relatively wide range of off-center vehiclepositions.

FIGS. 7D and 7E depict examples of the manner in which the hinge gapcover or hook of FIG. 4 may engage with the rear portion of a trucktrailer.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the example flexible structures inFIG. 4 depicted in a condition in which a vehicle has impacted theflexible structures.

FIG. 9 depicts further examples of flexible structures that may be usedto implement the side members and side curtains of the example dockshelter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 depicts an example header structure that may be used toimplement the example dock shelter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the example header structure ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another example flexible structurethat may be used to implement the side members of the example dockshelter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the example flexible structure ofFIG. 12 depicted in relation to a side of a properly docked vehicle.

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 depict an example manner in which a compressiblemember may be disposed within the example flexible structure of FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the example flexible structure ofFIG. 12 with a J-shaped hinge gap cover.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of another example flexible structurethat may be used to implement the example dock shelter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of yet another example flexiblestructure that may be used to implement the example dock shelter of FIG.1.

FIG. 20 depicts an example dock seal that may be implemented using theflexible structures described herein.

FIG. 21 depicts the manner in which a vehicle may be backed into theexample dock seal of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an example flexible structure thatmay be used to implement the example dock seal of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the example flexible structure ofFIG. 22 depicted in an impacted state.

FIGS. 24, 25, 26 and 27 illustrate further examples of flexiblestructures that may be used to implement the example dock shelter ofFIG. 1 and/or the example dock seal of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the example flexible structures disclosed herein may be usedto implement loading dock seals and/or impactable loading dock shelters.More specifically, the example flexible structures disclosed herein maybe used as flexible side members and/or header structures havingsufficient structural rigidity to support their own weight without anysubstantial (e.g., appreciable or perceptible (e.g., by an unaided humaneye)) sagging when cantilevered over an appreciable distance (e.g., twoto several feet or more) from the wall of a building. Additionally, theflexible structures described herein provide sufficient rigidity tosupport, without substantial (e.g., unacceptable perceptible) sagging,the additional weight of side seals or curtains or other similarstructures held at an appreciable distance from the wall of thebuilding. Still further, the example flexible structures describedherein are configured to withstand and recover from repeated impactsfrom the rear portions of off-center vehicles and/or lateral impactsfrom these or other sources.

In some examples, and in contrast to the compressible bodies (e.g., foampads or bodies) used to implement known flexible side members and otherstructures, the flexible structures described herein are implementedusing a flexible thin-walled or sheet-like member. More specifically,the flexible thin-walled or sheet-like member is configured to have across-sectional geometry that provides sufficient rigidity to enable theflexible structures to be cantilevered out an appreciable distance froma wall surface without any substantial (e.g., appreciable or visuallyperceptible (e.g., with the unaided human eye)) sagging of the flexiblestructures. Although in some cases, there may be visually perceptiblesagging, such sagging may nevertheless not be appreciable or substantialin that the operation of the flexible structures described herein is notadversely affected. The cross-sectional geometry of the thin-walled orsheet-like member may correspond to a non-planar shape and/or may definea moment of inertia that enables a flexible structure to have asubstantial rigidity along its longitudinal axis and to be substantiallyflexible along its transverse axis. The flexible thin-walled orsheet-like member may provide sufficient inherent rigidity to theflexible structures so that foam cores or other compressible bodies,pressurized air cavities, or other rigidity enhancing structures are notneeded within the flexible structures to prevent unacceptable sagging ofthe flexible structures when cantilevered from a building wall.

As used herein, the terms “thin-walled structure” and “thin-walledmember” relate to a structural element or elements that may, forexample, be composed of a sheet-shaped or sheet-like material,combination of materials (e.g., a composite material), or assembly. Incontrast to foam cores or other known compressible bodies commonly usedto form flexible structures, the material composing the structuralelement(s) of a thin-walled structure or member has a thickness that isrelatively small compared to the overall dimensions of the thin-walledstructure or member formed thereby. For example, some examplethin-walled structures disclosed herein may be several feet in lengthand width and may be formed using a sheet-like material a fraction of aninch thick. Also, the structural element(s) is/are formed to have (orotherwise caused to have) a desired cross-sectional geometry. Forexample, curved cross-sectional geometries such as an S-shaped orC-shaped geometry may be used. Alternatively, substantially rectilinearcross-sectional geometries such as T-shaped geometries, V-shapedgeometries, polygonal (e.g., rectangular) geometries, etc. could be usedinstead. Additionally, a thin-walled structure or member may besubstantially unitary and, thus, may be composed of a single piece ofmaterial or, alternatively, may be composed of multiple pieces and/orlayers of material.

The desired flexibility and rigidity characteristics of the exampleflexible structures described herein may be achieved using sheet-shapedmembers or the like having a geometry in which the mass centroid of thesheet-shaped member in a planar condition (i.e., before becoming part ofthe non-planar flexible structure) is sufficiently distant from the masscentroid of the finished non-planar flexible structure. The distancebetween these different mass centroids is commonly referred to as themoment of inertia of the non-planar structure. In general, as the momentof inertia increases, the rigidity of the non-planar structureincreases. Such an effect can be clearly understood by first imagining apiece of thick paper in a planar condition. With the paper standing onone of its edges, the moment of inertia of the planar piece of paper iszero because the center of mass of the planar structure formed by thepaper and the center of mass of the paper itself pass through the samepoint. Now, if the paper is formed into a non-planar structure such as atube, the center of mass of the tube and the center of mass of the paperitself are separated by distance (i.e., moment of inertia) equal to theabout radius of the tube. As can be appreciated, the rigidity of thetube (or non-planar structure) along its longitudinal axis issubstantially greater than that of the paper in a planar condition.

The example flexible structures described herein may also providesubstantial lateral flexibility, which may be especially advantageous inloading dock shelter applications. In particular, in some loading dockshelter applications, flexible side members may be mechanically coupledvia linking member such as, for example, a tie-bar, tie-rod, a rope, arubber strap, etc. so that if a backing vehicle contacts and causes alateral displacement of one of the flexible side members, the opposingflexible side member is laterally displaced in substantially the samedirection and substantially the same amount. Such a mechanical couplingof the flexible side members facilitates the ability of a dock shelterto flexibly accommodate or adapt to a relatively wide range ofoff-center vehicle positions within which the ability of the dockshelter to maintain an environmental barrier between the outdoorenvironment and the interior space of a building and the vehicle cargoarea is not compromised.

Now turning to FIG. 1, an example dock shelter 100 which may beimplemented using any of the example flexible structures disclosedherein is shown. The example dock shelter 100 is fixed to an outsidesurface 102 of a building wall 104 adjacent to the sides and/or top of aloading dock opening 106. A dock leveler 108 may protrude from theloading dock opening 106 in a conventional manner. Stops or bumpers 110(only one of which is shown) may prevent a truck trailer 112 from beingbacked too far into the shelter 100 and damaging the wall 104 and/orcompromising the operation of the dock leveler 108.

The dock shelter 100 includes elongate flexible side members 114 and 116that are fixed or attached to the wall 104 via brackets 118 and 120(only two of which are shown) or via any other suitable fastener(s). Asshown in FIG. 1, the elongate flexible side members 114 and 116 arefastened to the wall 104 along respective longitudinal edges 122 and 124so that the side members 114 and 116 extend substantiallyperpendicularly from the wall 104 and so that the side members 114 and116 are cantilevered out over an appreciable distance (e.g., two or morefeet) from the outside surface 102 of the wall 104.

Flexible seal members or side curtains 126 and 128 are attached torespective longitudinal edges 130 and 132 of the flexible side members114 and 116. The side curtains 126 and 128 project inwardlysubstantially parallel to the wall 104 across at least a portion of theloading dock opening 106 and in an interfering relationship with theintended path of the truck trailer 112. The flexible side curtains 126and 128 may be implemented using known side curtain structures such as,for example, curtains having flexible fiberglass stays covered with acoated fabric, vinyl, or any other suitable material. Alternatively, asdescribed in greater detail below, the flexible side curtains may beimplemented using other flexible structures.

In the illustrated example, a header structure or head curtain 134extends between the flexible side members 114 and 116 along the topportion of the loading dock opening 106. The header structure 134 isconfigured to seal (i.e., to provide an environmental barrier) along thetop portion of the trailer 112 when the trailer 112 is backed intoshelter 100. The header structure 134 may be implemented using anyconventional or known header structures or head curtains. Alternatively,the header structure or head curtain 134 may be implemented usingflexible structures similar to those used to implement the flexible sidemembers 114 and 116, examples of which are described in greater detailbelow.

In addition to being fastened to the wall 104, the flexible side members114 and 116 may be mechanically coupled via a linking member 136 suchas, for example, a tie-rod or tie-bar type structure. By mechanicallycoupling the side members 114 and 116 in this manner, the substantiallylaterally flexible side members 114 and 116 can compensate for arelatively wide range of off-center positions of the trailer 112. Inparticular, if the trailer 112 contacts and causes lateral displacementof one of the side members 114 and 116, the linking member 136 causesthe other one of the side members 114 and 116 (and the side curtains 126and 128) to be laterally displaced (e.g., horizontally or side-to-sidewith respect to the dock opening 106) in substantially the samedirection substantially the same amount. The substantial lateralflexibility of the mechanically coupled side members 114 and 116 enablesthe side members 114 and 116 to be spaced closer to one another and/orthe side curtains 126 and 128 to made smaller relative to the sidemember spacing and side curtain dimensions used with known dock sheltershaving substantially rigid side members.

The linking member 136 may be implemented using a tube or bar made ofany desired material (e.g., metal, wood, plastic, etc.) having anydesirable cross-sectional geometry (e.g., square, circular, etc.) Pins138 and 140 may be welded or otherwise fixed to the ends of the linkingmember 136. The pins 138 and 140 are configured to pivotally engage withthe side members 114 and 116. For example, the pins 138 and 140 mayextend through a substantially circular opening in tabs or brackets (notshown) fixed to the side members 114 and 116. However, the linkingmember 136 may be implemented in any desired manner to cause the sidemembers 114 and 116 to move laterally in substantially the samedirection substantially the same amount. For example, the linking member136 could be implemented using a rope, a piece of fabric, a rubberstrap, a piece of plastic, etc. Alternatively, the linking member 136could be implemented using a telescoping spring-loaded rod (e.g., inretractive tension), which would tend to force the flexible sidecurtains 126 and 128 against the sides of a truck trailer.

FIG. 2 depicts the manner in which the truck trailer 112 may be properlybacked into the example dock shelter 100 in a substantially centeredlocation relative to the dock opening 106. As shown in FIG. 2, the sidecurtains 126 and 128 have been flexibly displaced by the sides of thetrailer 112 toward the dock opening 106 (FIG. 1) and their respectiveflexible side members 114 and 116 (FIG. 1). As a result, anenvironmental barrier or seal is formed between the sides of the trailer112 and the side curtains 126 and 128. Additionally, a downwardlyextending portion of the header structure or head curtain 134 isdisplaced upwardly and back toward the opening 106 to form anenvironmental barrier or seal along the top portion of the trailer 112.

FIG. 3 depicts an example flexible structure 300 that may be used toimplement the side members 114 and 116 of the example dock shelter 100of FIG. 1. In general, the flexible structure 300 is configured to be anelongate flexible panel assembly having first and second longitudinaledges 302 and 304 and at least one flexible thin-walled or sheet-shapedmember 306. Also, the flexible thin-walled member 306 is configured tohave a cross-sectional geometry that provides sufficient rigidity toenable the elongate flexible panel assembly or structure 300 to becantilevered from a surface (e.g., the wall surface 102 shown in FIG. 1)via the first longitudinal edge 302 without substantial deformation ofthe cross-sectional geometry of the at least one flexible thin-walledmember 306. The cross-sectional geometry of the flexible thin-walledmember 306 provides sufficient rigidity to the flexible structure 300 sothat the flexible structure 300 does not sag (e.g., the longitudinaledge 304 does not shift downward relative to the edge 302) a substantial(e.g., appreciable, visually perceptible, etc.) amount when the flexiblestructure 300 is cantilevered over an appreciable distance from a wallsurface (e.g., the wall surface 102).

The flexible thin-walled member 306 may be made of a substantiallyunitary (i.e., one piece) flexible sheet of polymeric or metallicmaterial that has been pre-formed (e.g., via heat treatment, a moldingoperation, etc.) or that is held (e.g., in tension) to have theaforementioned cross-sectional geometry. In some applications, theflexible thin-walled member 306 may be made of a high molecular weightpolyethylene or the like. However, other materials could alternativelybe used.

The thickness of the flexible thin-walled member 306 may be selected tosuit the needs of a particular application. In some applications athickness of 0.125″ may be suitable, whereas other applications mayrequire a greater thickness and still other applications may beimplemented using a lesser thickness. The flexible thin-walled member306 is attached to an elongate rigid member or backer structure 308,which may be made of a wood (e.g., pressure treated lumber), a compositeand/or a metallic material suitable for attachment to, for example, anoutside wall of a building.

As noted above, the cross-sectional geometry of the flexible thin-walledmember 306 defines a thin-walled structure having substantial rigidityalong its longitudinal axis to prevent any appreciable sagging of theflexible structure 300 when cantilevered out an appreciable distancefrom a building wall. Additionally, the cross-sectional geometry of theflexible thin-walled member 306 results in substantial resilientflexibility along the transverse axis of the flexible structure 300 toenable the flexible structure 300 to withstand (i.e., recover withoutsubstantial permanent deformation due to) repeated impacts,compressions, etc. (e.g., forcing the second longitudinal edge 304toward the first longitudinal edge 302) from a rear portion of trucktrailer or the like. The structure can also withstand lateral impacts(forcing the edge 304 to move laterally relative to the edge 302)without substantial permanent deformation. The cross-sectional geometryof the flexible thin-walled member 306 is generally non-planar (e.g.,curved) and defines a moment of inertia as described generally abovethat provides sufficient rigidity to enable the flexible structure 300to be used as a side member of a loading dock or the like without anysubstantial (e.g., appreciable or visually perceptible) sagging of theflexible structure 300.

Further flexible members 310 and 312 may be coupled to the backer 308and the flexible thin-walled member 306. One or both of the flexiblemembers 310 and 312 may be used to increase the torsional rigidityand/or to control the orientation of the flexible thin-walled member 306when the flexible structure 300 is mounted to a wall. For example, oneor both of the flexible members 310 and 312 may be configured to holdthe flexible thin-walled member 306 in a substantially perpendicular (orother desired angular) relationship to a wall surface (e.g., the wallsurface 102 of FIG. 1).

In the example of FIG. 3, the flexible members 310 and 312 are depictedas being sheet-shaped members and, in such a case, may be made from awoven material such as a coated fabric or may be made of any othersuitable flexible sheet-like material such as neoprene, vinyl or anysuitable thermoplastic material, elastomeric material, etc. In caseswhere the flexible thin-walled member 306 is not pre-formed to definethe desired cross-sectional geometry, the flexible member 310 may beused to hold (e.g. in tension) the flexible thin-walled member 306 tohave the desired shape or cross-sectional geometry. More specifically,as depicted in the example of FIG. 3, the flexible member 310 may beconfigured to be tensioned between the longitudinal edges 302 and 304 tohold the flexible thin-walled member 306 to define a substantiallyC-shaped, S-shaped or other curvilinear cross-sectional geometry.

While the flexible members 310 and 312 are depicted as sheet-likestructures that cover substantially entire respective sides of thestructure 300, various other configurations of the flexible members 310and 312 could be used instead. For example, one or both of the flexiblemembers 310 and 312 could be implemented using multiple strips orsections of material spaced along the longitudinal axis of the structure300. Further, the flexible members 310 and 312 could be implementedusing one or more flexible rubber straps, fiberglass stays, etc. insteadof or in addition to sheet-shaped members to perform a similar oridentical function.

Any desired combination of mechanical and/or chemical fasteners may beused to assemble the structural members depicted in the example flexiblestructure 300 of FIG. 3. For example, the flexible thin-walled member306 and the flexible members 310 and 312 may be coupled or attached tothe backer 308 using nails, rivets, adhesives, lag screws,snaps/buttons, and/or any other fastening mechanism suitable to hold thestructures to the backer 308. Washers, perforated metal straps orbrackets, and/or other load distributing components may be employed toprevent damaging the flexible members 306, 310 and 312 during assemblyand/or to prevent premature failure (e.g., ripping, cracking, tearing,etc.) of the members 306, 310 and 312 during extended use of thestructure 300. In the example of FIG. 3, a bracket 314 is used to fasten(e.g., using nuts and bolts) the leading edges of the thin-walledflexible member 306 and the flexible member 310. Similarly, a perforatedmetal bracket or strap 316 and nuts and bolts are used to couple orattach the flexible member 312 to the thin-walled flexible member 306.

As shown in the example of FIG. 3, the flexible structure 300 definescavities 318 and 320. One or more compressible members such as, forexample, foam structures or the like may be disposed in one or both ofthe cavities 318 and 320 (an example a compressible member 502 locatedin cavity 320 is shown clearly in FIG. 5) to further increase therigidity of the flexible structure 300. In addition, one or more suchcompressible members may be disposed in one or both of the cavities 318and 320 to provide additional resilience and/or shape restorative forceto facilitate the ability of the flexible structure 300 to return to itsoriginal shape following an impact from, for example, a truck trailer.

FIG. 4 depicts another flexible structure 400 that may be used as a sideseal or side curtain assembly with the example flexible structure 300 ofFIG. 3. In general, the example flexible structure or side curtainassembly 400 includes a first flexible member or panel 402, a secondflexible member or panel 404 and a hinge gap cover or hook 406. Thehinge gap cover or hook 406 is flexibly or movably coupled to the firstflexible member 402 via a hinge 408 or any other mechanism that enablesthe hinge gap cover 406 to move or articulate relative to the firstflexible member 402.

The first and second flexible members 402 and 404 are fixed or coupledto the flexible structure 300 via a bracket 410, which may be bolted,riveted, or otherwise fastened to the bracket 314. The first flexiblemember 402 is configured to cover the hinge 408 and to flexibly sweepagainst the side of a backing vehicle (e.g., the truck trailer 112 shownin FIG. 1). The second flexible member 404 is configured to bias thefirst flexible member 402 and the hinge gap cover 406 outward (i.e.,away from the first longitudinal edge 302) so that the first flexiblemember 402 and the hinge gap cover 406 are positioned in the intendedpath of a backing vehicle.

The first and second flexible members 402 and 404 may be made of asubstantially unitary sheet-like material such as, for example, apolymeric or metallic material. One particularly useful material is highmolecular weight polyethylene. However, other flexible materials andconfigurations could be used instead. For example, the second flexiblemember 404 could be implemented using one or more flexible fiberglass,plastic, or metallic stays. Further, the first flexible member 402 couldbe implemented using one or more flexible stays covered with a coatedfabric or any other suitable material. The hinge gap cover or hook 406may be made from an elastomeric material, polymeric material, etc.suitable for repeated flexible engagement with the rear lateral sideedges of a vehicle such as, for example, the truck trailer 112 (FIG. 1).

The hinge gap cover or hook 406 is configured to engage a relativelywide range of vehicle types (e.g., trailer types). In particular, thehinge gap cover or hook 406 may be curved or shaped to accommodate atrailer having relatively thick back edges or side walls and accessdoors such as, for example, a refrigerated trailer. The hinge gap cover406 may also accommodate trailers having thinner back edges and accessdoors. In the illustrated example, the hinge gap cover 406 has a firstcurved portion 412, a relatively linear or non-curved portion 414 and asecond curved portion 416. The curvatures associated with the first andsecond curved portions 412 and 416 may have identical, similar, ordifferent shapes as needed to suit a particular application or range ofapplications.

While the example hinge gap cover or hook 406 is depicted in FIG. 4 asbeing coupled to the flexible member 402 via the hinge 408, othermanners of coupling the example hinge gap cover or hook 406 shown inFIG. 4 could be used instead. For example, the hinge gap cover or hook406 could be directly attached (i.e., without a hinge) to the flexiblemember 402 using any suitable fastening mechanism (e.g., screws, nutsand bolts, adhesive, heat staking, ultrasonic welding, rivets, etc.)Alternatively or additionally, the hinge gap cover or hook 406 could bemade integral (e.g., using a single piece of material or multiple piecesof material) with the flexible member 402. In the case of a single pieceof material (i.e., a unitary construction), the flexible member 402 maybe made longer (i.e., to extend further inwardly toward the shelter ordock opening) and an inner portion of the flexible member 402 may beformed (e.g., via heat treatment) to have substantially the shape of theexample hinge gap cover or hook 406.

Regardless of the manner in which the hinge gap cover or hook 406 isimplemented, the hinge gap cover or hook 406 in combination with theflexible member 404 is configured to provide a self-adjusting operationto facilitate consistent engagement with rear trailer edges of differentthicknesses. As is described in greater detail in connection with FIGS.7D and 7E below, the hinge gap cover or hook 406 is configured toarticulate and flex in a manner that enables a leading edge 418 of thecover or hook 406 to automatically and consistently engage the rear edgeof a fully docked trailer in a manner that does not encroach on thecargo area of the trailer and substantially independent of the thicknessof the rear edges of the trailer.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the example flexible structures 300and 400 of FIG. 4. However, in the example of FIG. 5, a compressiblemember 502 (e.g., a foam structure or body) has been disposed within thecavity 320 to further increase the rigidity of the structure 300 and/orto impart additional resilience and/or shape restorative force thereto.The compressible member 502 may be configured to fill only a portion ofor substantially all the cavity 320. In addition, the compressiblemember 502 may be composed of multiple pieces of compressible materialand, in such a case, may be distributed within the volume of the cavity320. Additionally or alternatively, one or more compressible members maybe similarly disposed in the cavity 318. In the example of FIG. 5, thetruck trailer 112 has backed into the side curtain 400 and has contactedthe side curtain 400 at the first flexible member 402 adjacent to thehinge 408.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the example flexible structures 300and 400 of FIG. 5 depicted in relation to the truck trailer 112 dockedsubstantially in the center of the dock opening 106 (FIG. 1). As can beseen in FIG. 6, the hinge gap cover 406 has engaged the rear edge of thetruck trailer 112 to substantially cover a gap 602 between the side door604 and the side 606 of the trailer 112. Additionally, the firstflexible member 402 is engaged with the side 606 of the trailer 112 toform an additional environmental seal or barrier against the trailer112.

FIG. 7A depicts the trailer 112 in off-center relation to the dockopening 106 and a shelter 700 including opposing flexible side members702 and 704 having respective side curtains 706 and 708. As discussedconnection with FIG. 1, the flexible side members 702 and 704 aremechanically coupled via the linking member 136 and pins 138 and 140.

FIG. 7B depicts the manner in which the substantial lateral flexibilityof the mechanically coupled side members 702 and 704 of the shelter 700accommodates the off-center trailer 112. In particular, when an edge 710of the trailer 112 contacts the side curtain 706, the flexible sidemember 702 and the side curtain 706 are displaced laterally away fromthe opening 106 which, via the linking member 136, causes the flexibleside member 704 and the side curtain structure 708 to be displacedlaterally toward the opening 106 an amount substantially equal to theamount the side member 702 and side curtain 706 are displaced away fromthe opening 106. Thus, while the path of the trailer 112 depicted inFIG. 7A suggests that the back edge of the trailer 112 may not engagethe side curtain structure 708, the mechanical coupling of the flexibleside members 702 and 704 causes the side curtain structure 708 to bedisplaced into the path of the trailer 112 when the trailer 112 contactsthe side curtain structure 706.

FIG. 7C depicts the trailer 112 in a fully docked condition. As shown inFIG. 7, when the trailer 112 is in a fully docked condition, the hingegap covers or hooks 406 have engaged with the rear edge of the trailer112 as depicted in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 7D and 7E.

FIG. 7D depicts an example manner in which the hinge gap cover or hook406 engages a fully docked trailer 720 having a standard thicknesstrailer door 722. As depicted in the example of FIG. 7D, the edge 418engages a rear surface 724 of a side 726 of the trailer 720 and, thus,does not encroach on the cargo area of the trailer 720. Further, thesecond curved portion 416 of the hook 406 covers a hinge 728 to minimizeor prevent the ingress of outdoor environmental conditions and/or theegress of conditioned building air into the outdoor environment througha gap 730 between the trailer door 722 and the side 726 of the trailer720. As can be seen from FIG. 7D, the geometry of the hook 406 and themanner in which the hook 406 can articulate with respect to the flexiblemember 402 (via, for example, the hinge 408) enables the edge 418 of thehook 406 to automatically engage or seal against the rear surface 724 asthe trailer 720 moves to a fully docked condition.

FIG. 7E depicts an example manner in which the hinge gap cover or hook406 engages a fully docked trailer 750 having a relatively thick trailerdoor 752 (e.g., as is the case with many refrigerated trailers). As canbe seen from FIG. 7E, the relatively linear or non-curved portion 414extends over the thickness of the door 752 so that the edge 418 of thehook 406 seals against a rear surface 756 of the trailer 750. Thus,despite the significantly greater thickness of the door 752 incomparison to the standard thickness door 722 of FIG. 7D, the hinge gapcover or hook 406 forms an environmental barrier with respect to a gap758 between the door 752 and a side 760 of the trailer 750.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the example flexible structures 300and 400 of FIG. 4 depicted in a condition in which the truck trailer 112has impacted the flexible structures 300 and 400. As can be seen in FIG.8, the flexible thin-walled member 306 has been displaced toward thewall 104. As a result, the flexible members 310 and 312 have becomeslack or bunched between the first and second longitudinal edges 302 and304. When the truck trailer 112 is pulled away from the impactedstructures 300 and 400, the structures 300 and 400 will return to theiroriginal condition without any substantial permanent deformation to theflexible structures 300 and 400 or the shapes and/or geometries formedthereby.

In addition to providing rigidity to the flexible structure 300, theshape or geometry of the flexible thin-walled member 306 may alsocontrol the impact response of the flexible structure 300. Inparticular, the example curvilinear (e.g., C-shaped or S-shaped)cross-sectional geometry of the thin-walled member 306 facilitates acontrolled or orderly folding (e.g., in an accordion like fashion) ofthe thin-walled member 306 toward the wall 104. In this manner, thecross-sectional geometry of the thin-walled member 306 may be configuredto prevent unpredictable displacements of the various structures makingup the thin-walled member 306 during and following an impact. Asmentioned previously, and as depicted in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the flexiblestructure 300 can also withstand and recover from lateral impactswithout sustaining substantial permanent deformation.

FIG. 9 depicts further examples of flexible structures 900 and 902 thatmay be used to implement the side members 114 and 116 and side seals orside curtains 126 and 128 of the example dock shelter 100 of FIG. 1. Inparticular, the flexible structure 900 is a flexible panel or sidemember assembly and the flexible structure 902 is a side curtain or sealassembly. The flexible structure 900 includes first and second flexibleside members or structures 904 and 906 that have been fixed along afirst longitudinal edge 908 to opposing sides of a backer structure 910and, at a second longitudinal edge 912, to a bracket 914. Each of theflexible side structures 904 and 906 may be made from a substantiallyunitary sheet of flexible material such as, for example, a polymericmaterial (e.g., polyethylene), a metallic material, an elastomericmaterial, or any other suitable flexible material.

Alternatively, one of both of the flexible side structures 904 and 906could instead be made from multiple sections of flexible material spacedalong the longitudinal edges 908 and 912. In that case, one or both ofthe flexible side members 904 and 906 may be covered with a coatedfabric or other material(s) to substantially enclose a cavity 916defined by the flexible side members 904 and 906. If desired, acompressible member (not shown) such as a foam structure, core or bodymay be disposed within the cavity 916 to increase the rigidity of and/orto impart additional resilience and/or shape restorative force to theflexible structure 900.

Further, the flexible structure 900 has a substantially rectilinear orV-shaped cross-sectional geometry that provides sufficient rigidity toenable the flexible structure 904 to support its own weight and theweight of the flexible structure 902 without any substantial (e.g.,visually perceptible or appreciable) deformation or distortion of thecross-sectional geometry or shape of the flexible structure 900 whencantilevered over an appreciable distance from a building wall. Similarto the example flexible structure 300 of FIG. 3, the flexible structure900 provides substantial rigidity along its longitudinal axis andsubstantial flexibility along its transverse axis. As a result, theflexible structure 900 can be repeatedly impacted either compressivelyor laterally by a vehicle or the like and return to its original shapeor geometry without any substantial permanent deformation to theflexible structure 900.

The flexible structure or side curtain 902 may be coupled to thelongitudinal edge 912 via the bracket 914 and, thus, may be bolted,riveted, or fastened to the bracket 914 in any other desired manner. Theside seal 902 of the illustrated example has a generally curved shapedto facilitate its resilient engagement with the side of a backingvehicle such as, for example, the truck trailer 112 (FIG. 1).

FIGS. 10 and 11 depict an example header structure 1000 that may be usedto implement the example dock shelter 100 of FIG. 1. The example headerstructure 1000 includes a flexible member 1002 which, in this example,is a substantially unitary sheet-shaped member such as, for example, asheet of a flexible plastic material (e.g., a high molecular weightpolyethylene). The flexible member 1002 is configured to be attached tothe wall 104 via a first backer structure 1004, which may be an elongatebar-shaped structure made of wood, a metallic material, a compositematerial, or any other suitable material. A second flexible member 1006extends between a leading edge 1008 of the header structure 1000 and asecond backer structure 1010, which is used to fix the second flexiblemember 1006 to the wall 104. The second flexible member 1006 may be madeof a coated fabric material or any other suitable flexible material.

The second flexible member 1006 may be used to hold (e.g., in tension)the first flexible member 1002 to have a substantially curvilinearprofile. Alternatively, the first flexible member 1002 may be preformedcompletely or in part, in which case the second flexible member 1006 mayprovide little, if any, tensioning force to the first flexible member1002. The first and second flexible members 1002 and 1006 may beattached along the leading edge 1008 via a bracket (not shown) andnuts/bolts, rivets, or any other suitable fastening mechanism(s).Additionally, a top edge 1012, which may be exposed to moisture such asrain, may be caulked or sealed with tape to prevent water fromaccumulating within a cavity 1014 of the structure 1000. If desired, oneor more compressible members such as, for example, foam structures (notshown) may be disposed within the cavity 1014 to increase the rigidityand/or to impart additional resilience and/or shape restorative force tothe structure 1000. Although not shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a headcurtain structure may also be suspended from the edge 1008 of the headerstructure 1000.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another example flexible structure1200 that may be used to implement the side members 114 and 116 of theexample dock shelter 100 of FIG. 1. The example flexible structure 1200includes a flexible thin-walled or sheet-like member 1202 that is fixedto a backer structure 1204 via mechanical and/or chemical fasteners 1206(e.g., nails, screws, bolts, glue, etc.). The flexible thin-walledmember 1202 may be made of a substantially unitary sheet of flexiblematerial such as, for example, a high molecular weight polyethylene, orany other suitable polymeric or metallic material. As with the flexiblestructures discussed above, the flexible structure 1200 is configured tohave a cross-sectional geometry that provides sufficient rigidity toenable the flexible structure 1200 to be cantilevered out an appreciabledistance from the wall 104.

The flexible structure 1200 may include an outer layer 1208, which maybe made of vinyl, a woven material such as, for example, a coatedfabric, or any other suitable material. The outer layer 1208 may provideimproved resistance to environmental conditions (e.g., moisture,ultraviolet radiation, abrasion resistance, etc.) and/or may providedesirable aesthetic characteristics.

A compressible member 1210, which may be one or more foam structures orbodies, may be disposed within a cavity 1212 defined at least in part bythe flexible thin-walled member 1202. The compressible member 1210 mayprovide increased rigidity and/or may impart additional resilienceand/or shape restorative force to the flexible thin-walled member 1202and, if present, the outer layer 1208. If used, the compressible member1210 may be coupled to the flexible thin-walled member 1202 via adhesivestrips 1214 or via any other suitable fastener. Additionally, across-piece 1216 such as, for example, a bolt, a plastic tie, a rod, awire, a rope or cord, etc. may be used to prevent or minimize bucklingof the sides of the flexible structure 1200, particularly in response toa compressive impact from the vehicle or truck trailer 112.

A sealing member or side curtain 1218 may be fixed to the flexiblestructure 1210 via a rigid or semi-rigid sheet of material 1220 andfasteners 1222. As shown in FIG. 13, the seal member or side curtain1218 sweeps against the side of the backing trailer 112 to form anenvironmental barrier or seal at an end 1302 of the side curtain 1218.

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 depict one manner in which a compressible member(e.g., the compressible member 1210 of FIG. 12) such as a foam body maybe disposed within the example flexible structure 1200 of FIG. 12.Preferably, although not necessarily, the compressible member 1210 isfirst attached to the backer 1204 and then covered with the flexiblethin-walled member 1202 and, if used, the cover 1208.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the example flexible structure 1200of FIG. 12 with a J-shaped seal member or hinge gap cover or hook 1700.FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of another example flexible structure1800 that may be used to implement the example dock shelter 100 ofFIG. 1. The example flexible structure 1800 uses a flexible thin-walledmember 1802 and a J-shaped hinge gap cover or hook 1804. A compressiblemember (e.g., foam core or body) 1806 may be disposed within the exampleflexible structure as depicted in FIG. 18.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of yet another example flexiblestructure 1900 that may be used to implement the example dock shelter100 of FIG. 1. The flexible structure 1900 is similar to the structure1800 shown in FIG. 18 except the structure 1900 includes an outer orcover layer 1808.

FIG. 20 depicts an example dock seal 2000 that may be implemented usingthe flexible structures described herein. The dock seal 2000 includesside seal members 2002 and 2004 and a header seal member 2006. The sealmembers 2002, 2004 and 2006 cooperate to surround the peripheral portionof the opening 106 and are configured to form a seal against the top andlateral side edges of the rear portion of the trailer 112 when thetrailer is backed into the dock seal 2000 as depicted, for example, inFIG. 21.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an example flexible structure 2200that may be used to implement one or more of the seal members 2002, 2004and 2006 of the example dock seal 2000 of FIG. 20. The example flexiblestructure 2200 includes a flexible thin-walled member 2202 attached to abacker 2204 structure. The cross-sectional geometry defined by theflexible thin-walled member 2202 provides sufficient rigidity to enablethe flexible structure 2200 to be cantilevered out over an appreciabledistance from the wall 104 without any substantial (e.g., perceptible)sagging (e.g., along the longitudinal axis of the structure 2200). Aswith the other example flexible structures described herein, theflexible thin-walled member 2202 may be made of a flexible polymericmaterial such as a high molecular weight polyethylene or any othersuitable material(s). An optional outer or cover layer 2206 and anoptional compressible member 2208 (e.g., a foam core) may also be used.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the example flexible structure 2200depicted in a condition in which the trailer 112 has impacted (i.e., isdocked properly against) the structure 2200.

FIGS. 24, 25, 26 and 27 are further examples of flexible structures2400, 2500, 2600 and 2700 that may be used to implement the example dockshelter 100 of FIG. 1 and/or the example dock seal 2000 of FIG. 20. Thestructures 2400, 2500, 2600 and 2700 have respective flexiblethin-walled members 2402, 2502, 2602 and 2702, 2704, respectively. Thesemembers define cross-sectional geometries that provide sufficientrigidity to enable the structures 2400, 2500, 2600 and 2700 to becantilevered out an appreciable distance from a building wall withoutany substantial (e.g., perceptible) sagging (or substantial distortionof the respective cross-sectional geometries) along the longitudinalaxes of the structures 2400, 2500, 2600 and 2700. Compressible members(e.g., foam structures) 2404, 2504, 2506, 2604, 2606, 2608 and 2706 maybe used to increase the rigidity and/or to impart additional shaperestorative force to the structures 2400, 2500, 2600 and 2700. Thestructure 2700 additionally includes a foam pad 2708 for sealinglyengaging the rear edge of a trailer and the structure 2400 includes anintegral seal member or side curtain 2406.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the example structuresdescribed herein may be used to provide a dock seal or shelter withflexible side members that consume minimal building wall space, arefully impactable, do not encroach on a rear vehicle opening whencompressed, and which can be extended (e.g., cantilevered) anappreciable distance from the building and support side seals orcurtains without substantial (e.g., visually perceptible or appreciable)sagging of the side members.

The example side members depicted in FIGS. 12-27 are generallycharacterized as being composites of foam and thin-walled or sheet-likemembers. In contrast to the example flexible structures disclosedherein, known composite structures such as foam dock seals andsoft-sided dock shelters, which typically utilize a foam body surroundedby a fabric outer layer, obtain most, if not all, of their structuralintegrity from the foam body. The fabric outer layer used with theseknown structures provides only moisture protection and abrasionresistance. With the example flexible structures described in connectionwith FIGS. 12-27, the thin-walled or sheet-like members are selected andconfigured to provide substantial structural integrity so that the foam(if used) and the sheet-like or thin-walled member cooperate to providestructural integrity to the side member composed thereby.

One benefit of the cooperative relationship between the thin-walled orsheet-like members and the foam described in connection with theexamples of FIGS. 12-27 is that the size and amount (e.g., density) offoam required (if any) can be substantially reduced compared to thatused with the known fabric and foam structures noted above. For example,with the examples of FIGS. 12-27, owing to the structural properties ofthe thin-walled or sheet-like members used in these examples, a givenside curtain structure can be supported using significantly less foamthan would be required with known fabric and foam side members.

Although certain methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture havebeen described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. To the contrary, this patent covers all embodimentsfairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literallyor under the doctrine of equivalents.

1. An elongate flexible panel assembly for use at a loading dock thatincludes a building wall with an outside surface, the elongate flexiblepanel assembly having a length along a longitudinal axis and comprising:a first elongate rigid member adapted to be attached to the outsidesurface; a first flexible thin-walled member comprising a unitary sheetof material having an unconstrained cross-sectional shape; a secondflexible thin-walled member comprising a unitary sheet of material, thefirst and the second flexible thin-walled members each having a firstlongitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the first longitudinaledges being attached to the first elongate rigid member; and a connectorto attach together the second longitudinal edges to constrain the firstflexible thin-walled member in a cross-sectional shape that is differentfrom the unconstrained cross-sectional shape, the first and secondflexible members defining a first empty, self-supported cavity betweenrespective inner surfaces of the first and second flexible thin-walledmembers, wherein the connector and the first rigid member enable theelongate flexible panel assembly to be cantilevered from the outsidesurface substantially without sagging, and wherein by constraining thefirst flexible thin-walled member in a cross-sectional shape that isdifferent from the unconstrained shape, the connector enables the secondlongitudinal edges to move together for forces applied to the panelassembly along an axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis. 2.The elongate flexible panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the firstlongitudinal edges contact each other.
 3. The elongate flexible panelassembly of claim 1, wherein the first flexible thin-walled membercomprises a polymeric material and the second flexible thin-walledmember comprises a fabric.
 4. The elongate flexible panel assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising a third flexible thin-walled membercomprising a unitary sheet of material and including a first and asecond longitudinal edge, the first longitudinal edge of the thirdflexible thin-walled member being coupled to the first elongate rigidmember and the second longitudinal edge of the third flexiblethin-walled member being coupled to the first flexible thin-walledmember.
 5. The elongate flexible panel assembly of claim 4, wherein thefirst flexible thin-walled member, the third flexible thin-walledmember, and the elongate rigid member define a second cavity.
 6. Theelongate flexible panel assembly of claim 4, wherein the third flexiblethin-walled member is substantially parallel to the second flexiblethin-walled member.
 7. The elongate flexible panel assembly of claim 1,further comprising a fourth flexible thin-walled member operativelycoupled to the second longitudinal edges to extend from the elongatepanel assembly.
 8. The elongate flexible panel assembly of claim 7,further comprising a hook operatively coupled to the fourth flexiblethin-walled member.
 9. An elongate flexible panel assembly for use at aloading dock that includes a building wall with an outside surface, theelongate flexible panel assembly having a length along a longitudinalaxis and comprising: a first elongate rigid member adapted to beattached to the outside surface; a first flexible thin-walled membercomprising a unitary sheet of material having an curvilinearcross-sectional shape; a second flexible thin-walled member comprising aunitary sheet of material having a substantially planar cross-sectionalshape; and a third flexible thin-walled member comprising a unitarysheet of material having a substantially planar cross-sectional shape;wherein the first, the second, and the third flexible thin-walledmembers each have a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinaledge, the first longitudinal edges being coupled to the first elongaterigid member, the second longitudinal edges of the first and secondflexible thin-walled members being coupled together to define a firstcavity between the first and second flexible thin-walled members, andthe second longitudinal edge of the third flexible thin-walled memberbeing coupled to the first flexible thin-walled member to define asecond cavity between the first flexible thin-walled member, the thirdflexible thin-walled member, and the first elongate rigid member. 10.The elongate flexible panel assembly of claim 9, wherein the thirdflexible thin-walled member is coupled to the first flexible thin-walledmember along a line disposed between the first and second longitudinaledges of the first flexible thin-walled member.
 11. The elongateflexible panel assembly of claim 9, further comprising a bracket forcoupling the second longitudinal edge of the first flexible thin-walledmember to the second longitudinal edge of the second flexiblethin-walled member.
 12. The elongate flexible panel assembly of claim 9,wherein the third flexible thin-walled member is substantially parallelto the second flexible thin-walled member.
 13. The elongate flexiblepanel assembly of claim 9, further comprising a fourth flexiblethin-walled member operatively coupled to the second longitudinal edgesof the first and second flexible thin-walled members to extend from theelongate panel assembly.
 14. The elongate flexible panel assembly ofclaim 13, further comprising a hook operatively coupled to the fourthflexible thin-walled member.
 15. The elongate flexible panel assembly ofclaim 14, further comprising a hinge operatively coupling the hook andthe fourth flexible thin-walled member.
 16. The elongate flexible panelassembly of claim 9, wherein the first flexible thin-walled membercomprises a polymeric material and the second and third flexiblethin-walled members comprise a fabric material.
 17. A dock shelterhaving side panels for use at a loading dock that includes a buildingwall with an outside surface, a side panel comprising: a first flexiblepanel assembly to be cantilevered from the outside surface of thebuilding wall via a rigid member that is to directly engage the outsidesurface when attached to the building wall, the first flexible panelassembly comprising: a first flexible panel; a second flexible membercoupled to the first flexible panel such that the first and secondflexible panels define a first collapsible and self-supported cavitybetween the inner surfaces of the first and second flexible panels; asecond flexible panel assembly coupled to the first panel assembly, thesecond flexible panel assembly comprising: a third flexible panelprojecting from the first panel assembly, the third flexible panel beingcoupled to at least one of the first flexible panel or the secondflexible panel along a first longitudinal edge of the third flexiblepanel; and a hook projection from the third flexible panel, the hookbeing movably coupled relative to a second longitudinal edge of thethird flexible panel; wherein the joined first and second flexible panelassemblies are self-supporting without further supporting structure whenthe first flexible panel assembly is cantilevered from the outsidesurface of the building via the rigid member.
 18. A dock shelter ofclaim 17, further comprising a fourth flexible panel coupled to thefirst flexible panel and the rigid member, wherein the rigid member andthe first and fourth flexible panels define a second collapsible cavitybetween inner surfaces of the rigid member and the first and fourthflexible panels.
 19. A dock shelter of claim 17, further comprising afifth flexible panel coupled to the hook and the third flexible panel.20. A dock shelter of claim 17, wherein the first and second flexiblepanels are coupled to the rigid member along first longitudinal edges ofthe first and second flexible panels and the first and second flexiblepanels are coupled along second longitudinal edges of the first andsecond flexible panels.
 21. An elongate flexible panel assembly of claim1, wherein the rigid member is to be directly attached to the outersurface.
 22. An elongate flexible panel assembly of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second flexible panels provide a self-supporting side memberwithout the need of an independent structural support member when theflexible panel assembly is cantilevered from the outside surface of thebuilding via the rigid member.
 23. The elongate flexible panel assemblyof claim 1, wherein the first empty cavity is self-supporting withoutinternal support.
 24. The elongate flexible panel assembly of claim 1,wherein the first longitudinal edges of the first and second thin-walledmembers are attached together via the first elongate rigid member. 25.The elongate flexible panel assembly of claim 1, wherein first elongaterigid member is adapted to be attached directly to the outside surface.26. The elongate flexible panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the firstand second flexible members define the first empty cavity betweenrespective inner surfaces of the first and second flexible thin-walledmembers when the first and second flexible thin-walled members arecoupled to the rigid member and the second longitudinal edges arecoupled via the connector.